Over the past several weeks, momentum has been building. It has led to a rallying cry, a movement of Canadians from coast to coast who know that our cities must change, and who see that our post COVID-19 recovery presents us with a window to act.

This Declaration is that cry for change. It is rooted in concrete actions that will kickstart our journey toward more accessible, equitable, sustainable, and resilient cities. Across Canada, we have the passion and the expertise to deliver on this change.

I would like to thank the signatories below for their time, effort, and willingness to put their names on the line. The richness of the declaration is the reflection of much consideration, debate, and review. Today, it stands as a marker.

If not now, when?

— Jennifer Keesmaat

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We the undersigned declare that:

The COVID-19 pandemic provides a once-in-a-lifetime responsibility to accelerate the change we require in Canadian cities. With a coordinated effort by the federal government, provinces, and cities, we can repair a half-century of unsustainable planning that has compromised our health, access to housing, the quality of our air and water, and the long-term financial viability of our cities. Within this short window, we can position Canadian cities to thrive as we embrace a “new normal” and a better “business-as-usual.” A greener, cleaner, decarbonized economy begins with our cities. To get there, we must change the way we plan and operate them. And it is within the power of our political leaders to do so.

To be clear, the measures outlined in the declaration should be considered a starting point for effecting the type of change we need in our cities, but are not a cure-all. Our current urban form has detrimental effects on new Canadians, Indigenous people, racialized populations, and lower-income workers. These groups have disproportionately suffered from the effects of homelessness and gentrification, growing racial- and class-based segregation of neighbourhoods within cities, the social and financial costs of long commutes, and disproportionate rates of working poverty in Canadian cities. To ensure that the structural trends afflicting our cities are not exacerbated or ignored, it will be critical to apply an authentic equity lens throughout the planning and implementation of these measures, include and empower all voices, and to employ population-specific interventions with more universal policy solutions.

We note also that cities are in a period of unprecedented financial uncertainty. While some of the commitments below will require a response from, and coordination with, provincial and federal governments for funding, the majority of these recommendations require simply a reallocation of resources and a reassessment of priorities away from unsustainable, inequitable, costly approaches that are not viable over the long-term toward sustainable, cost-efficient, future-oriented approaches. In most instances, the required policy changes can be initiated immediately by municipalities, though implementation periods will vary.

Ensuring the Responsible Use of Land:

  1. Update zoning policies to allow more households to access existing neighbourhoods by permitting and encouraging appropriately scaled multi-tenanted housing, co-housing, laneway housing, and other forms of “gentle density” to be built, as-of-right, alongside houses in low-rise residential neighbourhoods.

  2. Commit to the creation of 15-minute neighbourhoods in which it is possible to live, work, shop, and age in place by, among other things, permitting corner stores, local retail, and live-work housing, and adding more local parks and universally designed amenities to include ageing populations and the quarter of Canadians who have a disability so that they too can participate in their community.

  3. Restrict short-term rentals to ensure that rental homes are not once again removed from the rental market post-COVID-19.

  4. Remove all mandatory minimum parking requirements for any new building.

  5. Prioritize the use of existing municipally-owned land and public funding to create affordable and accessible housing that incorporates universal design principles, remains affordable in perpetuity, and enables strategic public green space that supports increased density.

  6. Enact stronger restrictions on urban sprawl, including moratoria limiting additional, auto-dependent, suburban sprawl developments.


    Accelerating the Decarbonization of our Transportation Systems:

  7. Prioritize the transformation of existing streets and roadways for active transportation both for the immediate, post-pandemic recovery period and as permanent measures by adding additional space that meets the needs of pedestrians, individuals with mobility challenges such as the elderly and people with disabilities, and cyclists. This can be accomplished by incorporating protected bike lanes and the principles of universal design into a contiguous “everywhere-to-everywhere” network that makes cycling a safe mobility choice for people of all ages and abilities and every resident, in every neighbourhood.

  8. Enhance transit service levels, recognizing that interim social distancing requirements will demand high levels of accessible public transit service on existing routes, since passenger limits on buses, streetcars, and subways will be required.

  9. On major arterial roadways, transform curbside lanes to dedicated Bus Rapid Transit Priority Lanes, to offer a higher level of accessible service and to incentivize public transit usage as economies transition to normal.

  10. Enact a moratorium on the construction and reconstruction of urban expressways, including those in process.

  11. Enact congestion pricing policies, and dedicate 100% of the revenues to public transportation expansion.

  12. Mandate a conversion timetable stipulating that 100% of taxi and ride-sharing vehicles will be electric.

  13. Commit to making public bus fleets fully accessible and electrified.

  14. Require all public sector vehicular fleets to be fully electrified (this can be achieved through a mass joint Climate Mayors Purchasing Collective) and, where possible, accessible.


    Embracing Sustainability in our Built and Natural Environments:

  15. End the dumping of untreated sewage outflows into lakes, streams, and waterways.

  16. Enact a funded, detailed plan to achieve a 40% urban tree canopy.

  17. Adopt universal design principles to ensure everyone including an aging population and the quarter of Canadians who have a disability can participate in their community.

  18. Ensure 100% of municipal operations are powered by clean energy sources.

  19. Require that all new government-owned buildings (federal, provincial, and municipal) achieve Net Zero Energy performance, and revise building codes to set higher energy efficiency and emissions standards that also incorporate the principles of universal design so that they are constructed in a manner that is accessible and inclusive, and will promote a diversified workforce.

  20. Mandate a conversion timetable stipulation that all new large office buildings be emissions-free.

We cannot return to the old normal, when we already faced massive challenges and urgent crises. This declaration should be considered a starting point: a series of clear and distinct actions that Canadian municipalities can take right now to address the sustainability, mobility, and equity issues that the pandemic has highlighted.

Signatories

Former and Current Mayors, Premiers, MPs, and MPPs

  • Hon. David Collenette, PC, FCILT, Former MP and Federal Cabinet Minister

  • Jonathan Cote, Mayor of New Westminster, BC

  • David Crombie, OC, OOnt, Former Mayor of Toronto

  • Art Eggleton, Former Mayor of Toronto

  • Barbara Hall, OC, Former Mayor of Toronto

  • Mike Harcourt, Former Premier of British Columbia

  • Lisa Helps, Mayor of Victoria

  • Ted McMeekin, Former MPP and Ontario Cabinet Minister

  • David Miller, Former Mayor of Toronto

  • John Sewell, Former Mayor of Toronto

 

Academics

  • George Baird, OC, Former Chair and Dean, University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design

  • Dr. Jino Distasio, Former Director, Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg

  • Jayne Engle, Adjunct Professor, School of Urban Planning, McGill University

  • Richard Florida, Director of Cities, Martin Prosperity Institute, Rotman School of Management

  • Anne Golden, Co-Founder, Ryerson City Building Institute

  • Dr. Sara Kirk, Scientific Director, Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University

  • Scott Lear, Pfizer/Heart and Stroke Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Prevention Research at St. Paul's Hospital; Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University

  • Paul Lewis, Vice-recteur associé de l'Université de Montréal, Associate Vice-Provost of the Université de Montréal

  • Nina-Marie Lister, Graduate Program Director and Associate Professor, Ryerson School of Urban and Planning 

  • Robin Mazumder, Vanier Scholar and Urban Neuroscientist

  • Nazeem Muhajarine, Professor and Chair, Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan

  • Dr. Cordell Neudorf, Professor, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

  • Dr. Catherine O'Brien, Professor, Sustainable Happiness, Cape Breton University

  • Frank Palermo, Professor Emeritus, School of Planning, Dalhousie University

  • Richard Shearmur, Professor, Director, McGill School of Urban Planning

  • Anneke Smit, Director and Associate Professor, Windsor Law Centre for Cities

  • Richard Sommer, Dean, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design

  • Dr. Meghan Winters, Associate Professor, Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University

 

Architects and Urban Planners

  • Brent Bellamy, Creative Director, Number Ten Architectural Group

  • Joe Berridge, Partner, Urban Strategies

  • Shirley Blumberg, OC, Founding Partner, KPMB Architects

  • John Brown, FRAIC, President, The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

  • Peter Busby, OC, Managing Director, Perkins & Will Architects

  • Jack Diamond, OC, OOnt, Founding Partner, Diamond Schmitt Architects

  • Pino Di Mascio, Director of Planning, Sidewalk Labs

  • Guy Favreau, Architecte, PA LEED, FIRAC, Vice-président Architecture et développement durable, Ædifica / Architect, LEED AP, FRAIC, Vice-president Architecture and sustainable development, Ædifica

  • Antonio Gomez-Palacio, Principal, Dialog

  • Meg Graham OAA, FRAIC, Principal, Superkul Architects

  • Bruce Haden, Principal, Human Studio Architecture

  • Johanna Hurme, Founding Partner, 5468796 Architecture

  • Les Klein, Co-Founder and Principal, Quadrangle Architects

  • Bruce Kuwabara, OC, Founding Partner, KPMB Architects

  • Marianne McKenna, OC, Founding Partner, KPMB Architects

  • Charles Montgomery, Founding Principal, Happy City

  • Michael Mortensen, Director, Liveable City Planning

  • Kourosh Rad, Founder, RAD Consulting

  • Janet Rosenberg, Founding Principal, Janet Rosenberg & Studio

  • Drew Sinclair, Founding Partner, SvN Architects + Planners

  • Jesse Shapins, Director of Development and Public Realm, Sidewalk Labs

  • Liz Wreford, Director, Public City Architecture

  • Yvonne Yeung, Manager of Urban Design, City of Brampton

Non-profit, Foundation, and Institute Leaders

  • Geoff Cape, CEO, Evergreen

  • Julia Deans, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada

  • Omar Dominguez, Director of Government Relations & Sector Development, Vantage Point

  • Pamela Fuselli, MSC, President & CEO, Parachute

  • Rick Hansen, OC, OBC, Founder, Rick Hansen Foundation

  • Dave Harvey, Executive Director, Park People

  • Scott James, Former Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board

  • Marla MacLeod, Director of Programs, Ecology Action Centre

  • Judy Matthews, Judy and Wilmot Matthews Foundation

  • Wil Matthews, Judy and Wilmot Matthews Foundation

  • Kwame McKenzie, CEO, Wellesley Institute

  • Nancy Singer, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Kehilla

  • Rick Smith, Executive Director, Broadbent Institute

  • Ene Underwood, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity GTA

 

Real Estate Developers and Business Leaders

  • Robert Blazevski, President, DiamondCorp

  • Naama Blonder, Architect & Urban Planner, Smart Density

  •  Anthony Broccolini, COO, Broccolini

  • Mitchell Cohen, President, The Daniels Corporation

  • Mark Conway, President, N. Barry Lyon Consultants 

  • Alkarim Devani, Co-Founder, RNDSQR

  • Ian Gillespie, Founder and CEO, Westbank

  • Toby Heaps, President, Corporate Knights

  • Jeff Hull, President, Hullmark Developments

  • Paul MacKinnon, CEO, Downtown Halifax Business Association

  • John Pasalis, President, Realosophy

  • Richard Peddie, Former President and CEO, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment

  • Ken Tanenbaum, Executive Chairman, Kilmer Developments

  • Brian Topp, Founding Partner, KTG Public Affairs

  • Sam Vermette, CEO, Transit App

  • Christopher Wein, COO, Lanterra Developments

  • Tara Wickwire, Associate Vice President, National PR

 

City Builders

  • Emilie K. Adin, Director of Development Services, City of New Westminster

  • Niloo Boroun, Executive Director, Consider Canada City Alliance

  • Hazel Borys, President, PlaceMakers, LLC

  • Ulla Colgrass, Community Activist

  • Joe Cressy, Councillor, City of Toronto

  • Serge Filion, urbaniste émérite, FICU, ancien directeur de l'Aménagement du territoire à la Ville de Québec et de la direction de l'Aménagement et de l'architecture de la Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec / Urbaniste émérite, FCIP, former director of the City Planning Department of Quebec City and of the Architecture and Urban Planning Department of the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec

  • Jenny Gerbasi, Former Councillor, City of Winnipeg, President Emeritus of The Federation of Canadian Municipalities

  • Eti Greenberg, Board Member, 8 80 Cities

  • Ken Greenberg, OC, Principal, Greenberg Consultants

  • Suzanne Lareau, Présidente-directrice générale, Vélo Québec / CEO, Vélo-Québec

  • Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Conseillère Municipale, Ville de Gatineau/Councillor, City of Gatineau

  • Gil Penalosa, Founder and Chair, 8 80 Cities

  • Brian Pincott, Former Councillor, City of Calgary

  • Karen Pitre, Special Advisor on Community Hubs

  • Gerry Post, Executive Director of Accessibility, Government of Nova Scotia

  • Jeanhy Shim, President and Founder, Housing Lab Toronto

  • Anders Swanson, Chair, Vélo Canada Bikes

  • Cynthia Wilkey, Co-Chair, West Don Lands Committee

  • Jordana Wright, Managing Director, Activate Space

  • Mike Yorke, President, Carpenters District Council of Ontario

Former Chief City Planners

  • Larry Beasley, Former Chief Planner, City of Vancouver

  • Paul Bedford, Former Chief Planner, City of Toronto, FCIP, RPP

  • Sylvain Ducas, Ancien Directeur de l'urbanisme, Ville de Montréal/Former Chief Planner, City of Montreal

  • Jennifer Keesmaat, Former Chief Planner, City of Toronto

  • Brent Toderian, Former Chief Planner, City of Vancouver

 

Authors, Filmmakers, and Musicians

  • Margaret Atwood, Author

  • Jennifer Baichwal, Co-Founder, Mercury Films, Co-Director, Anthropocene: The Human Epoch

  • Dave Bidini, Author and Musician

  • Nicholas de Pencier, President, Mercury Films, Co-Director, Anthropocene: The Human Epoch

  • Christopher Gaze, Founding Artistic Director - Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

  • Sarah Harmer, Musician

  • Don Kerr, Musician

  • Dylan Reid, Executive Editor, Spacing Magazine

 

Environmental Leaders

  • Jeffrey Brook, Scientific Director, Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium

  • Robin Edger, Executive Director and CEO, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

  • Tim Gray, Executive Director, Environmental Defence

  • Mark Mattson, Founder and President, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

  • Thomas Mueller, President and CEO, Canada Green Building Council

  • Dianne Saxe, PhD, Former Environmental Commissioner of Ontario

  • Scott Skinner, President & CEO, Clean Foundation

  • Merran Smith, Founder and Executive Director, Clean Energy Canada